To ask the Minister of Health what discussions he has had with counterparts in the Republic of Ireland concerning the Dying with Dignity Bill, currently passing through the Oireachtas, particularly with regard to clarifying the legal position of doctors in Northern Ireland; and what safeguarding mechanisms would be in place for vulnerable people resident in Northern Ireland.

I am aware of the Dying with Dignity Bill which is passing through the Oireachtas. I have had no discussions with my counterparts in the Republic of Ireland on the Bill.

The Bill is in its early stages and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice has invited written submissions from interested groups and individuals on its provisions as part of its scrutiny of the legislation. Scrutiny is conducted as a separate process, prior to Committee Stage. The purpose of Committee scrutiny is to assess the Bill from a policy, legal and financial perspective with a view to recommending whether the Bill should proceed to Committee Stage or not.

As we do not have the settled text of any potential Act, it is not possible to determine what, if any, response is required in Northern Ireland.